Thursday, December 19, 2013

Show us the evidence

In the class described in "How the Common Core is Changing How Kids Learn in English Class," (Dec 16), the teacher urges students to "cite evidence" for their statements, part of the push for increased nonfiction in the schools. Ironically, there is no scientific evidence that anyone can cite that supports the increased emphasis on for nonfiction, or, for that matter, for the common core state standards and tests. There is, however, plenty of evidence supporting the value of fiction, and an impressive amount of evidence showing that national standards and nonstop testing have no positive impact on student achievement.